They had me at "Ostrich."
This was one of the first sets I picked up after as part of my recent "Lego renaissance." The ostriches are what really caught my eye because I don't remember the animals looks nearly this cool ten years or so ago when I was last purchasing Lego.
Pros
- The minifigs included are pretty neat. These are my first licensed figs since the change from yellow to flesh tones, so they got a few extra points for me on that basis, but even putting that aside, the printed torsos, the headgear and the accessories included impress.
- Ostriches! I bet you thought I'd lead with the ostriches. I'm a fan of ostriches, in general -- they're interesting looking animals, and the multi-color models included here really capture their look.
- I love the mechanism that opens and closes the gates on the ostrich stalls. It doesn't depend on rubber bands, which seems to make it a bit more reliable than the gate mechanism in Set 8061, Gateway of the Squid. Further, the visible parts of the mechanism match the over-all color scheme, so it blends right into the model.
- I like the general color scheme of the bricks and other pieces in this set. The gray, brown and tan are more subdued than the bright color schemes I was accustomed to. I realize that this is a function of the desert setting, but I'm starting to give some real consideration to putting together some pre-modern themed MoCs, and the color scheme at work here inspires me.
- The set includes quite a few non-standard bricks and other bits that could easily prove useful for MOC projects, particularly the brown poles and cones, used to great effect in this set to build fencing and gates.
Cons
- The studs on the jumpers that make up the floor of the ostrich stalls not only do not align with the ostriches' feet, they are positioned such that if one foot is attached to one stud, you have to either turn the ostrich a bit so that he's not facing forward and ready to race or have him sort of leaned up on the misaligned stud such that he faces forward but doesn't stand very well. This flaw frustrates the set's value as a diorama.
This is just an excellent set. It was a fun build with a clever mechanism for the gates, solid minifigs and (need I mention?) ostriches. I'm giving serious thought to going ahead and picking up an extra copy or two of this set for parts (and ostriches) in the hope that I eventually get around to designing and building that castle I keep dreaming of. If I run across a few copies at discount, it's all but a done deal.
5 out of 5 people thought this review was helpful.
The first ever lego ostrich
I bought this at Toys r us for £11.99 saving £3. In the set you get three figures one of them is Dastan with a new chest printed torso as well as a nice new mould to store his swordss. You also get a henchmen and another one with a turban.
You also get a stand where the turban figure watches the race which has a red flag on the left and a golden one on the right. There is also a cage area were the gates open for the ostriches to come out and race as well as a weapon storage thing included too.
But those features are not what makes the greatness of this set as this is achieved by this prouduct including brand new never made before Lego ostriches. The ostriches are quite small but can hold a person on top. They are very well detailed on the sides and back and their heads can also come off aswell as rotating 360 degree's.
For the price I payed I think it is really good value and you get quite a lot to play with and build. £14.99 is not a bad price to pay but is certainly much better than many of the prices of the second wave summer sets in 2010.
This set rules and those who like lego ostriches I suggest should get this when they have chance.
0 out of 1 person thought this review was helpful.
No regrets here
Sometimes we spend a hefty sum on some thing and then regret doing so for the financial logic. No such regrets here and certainly no need to turn back time to undo the purchase of this set.
I absolutely love it. It has three main sections with a lot of accessories thrown in for good measure. It cost slightly cheaper than the 'Loot Island' Pirate set in my country with a 10% discount but I realised it has more parts and simply looks more resolved.
When I spend so much on something i want to have some gimmick, and here i love the opening gates. New ostriches are great and can be incorporated into some other zoo or safari theme.
It gets a full 5 for full satisfaction. However we live in a capitalist economy and we'll always want more. I wish this set had a the Dagger of Time!
One more thing, I hope Lego never skimps on quality no matter what happens. It better to be expensive, than to have an expensive damage on your reputation which sometimes is irrecovarable. So far Lego has held up. Do so for a long time more...
3 out of 3 people thought this review was helpful.
Ostriches!
I had to get this for the Lego ostriches, obviously. The minifigs are also very nice. The main building thing you get as well as the nice minifigs and cool ostriches is the ostrich race gate, which has an excellent and clever opening mechanism, but otherwise is ... well, it's just an opening race gate thing isn't it. The other two built things are fine and you get some nice pieces. So, this is good, and would be great to play with alongside other Prince of Persia sets. The whole series looks very nice. This was my first one, but now I really want the highly attractive #7571, 'The Fight for the Dagger', as well. Finally, there were no stickers in this set - hurray!
2 out of 2 people thought this review was helpful.
Cool Stuff Here!
Minifigs
Well you have Dastan---- SHIRTLES! He is a detailed. Has many muscles and lookes very buff. He has the sowrds and everything. Ostrich Jockey is also neat. The torso is amazing! I like how shows the buttons and everything on a real jacket. Sheik Amar is awesome! He has a red and brownish coat. A cool necklace as well!
Tower
Well you get a small bush here. You get a gold flag and a red flag. You also get a small edge to lean Sheik on.
Weapon holder
You get 2 spears, a long whip, & A sword. You also have a gold flag and a bush.
Here yo have the ostriches and studs to hold them. The doors also open so you can start the race!
START THE RACE , lolz
2 out of 5 people thought this review was helpful.